Vocal Coach reacts to Pentatonix performing The Sound of Silence

[@felixhogsander2533]

Can we just take a moment to also appreciate Kevin Olusola's beatboxing?

[@radioactive_baby]

Yeah, he's amazing

[@jaugust6189]

Does he sing

[@Daniel.Israel]

@@jaugust6189 yeah

[@jaredamason2831]

Incredibly emotional, but instead of feeling down, it made me feel powered.

[@elizabethsantersero9597]

I've watched this a number of times now, and have come to the conclusion that I really can't pick a favorite among the three versions (Simon & Garfunkel, Disturbed, or PTX). They each have a different emotional impact, different levels of immediacy. S & G's version strikes me like the faint voices in the wilderness, while Disturbed is more an individual's tortured lament. PTX's version comes across as a community united in recognition and resolve.

[@EliaKay1]

Elizabeth Santersero I love how you explain it. “A community united in recognition and resolve” is a good description of how it makes me feel.

[@fastfiddler1625]

It's good. But too poppy for me. It also escalates way too quickly to give you any feeling. I think Disturbed has the best version. And yes, over the original.

[@VolatileSupernova]

The great thing about unique covers of songs (and their originals) is that you can love them all equally as much for entirely different reasons!

[@cajunsamgaming4061]

I completely understand what you are saying. My "Favorite" depends entirely on the mood I'm in at that particular moment. That said, if you put a gun to my head and said "Choose!", it would have to be S&G for the simple reason that there would be NO Disturbed version and NO PTX version without the genius of the original. It takes genius to do what Disturbed and PTX each did, taking it to the next level, but they did stand on the shoulders of S&G. Just one old farts opinion though.

[@thesaltedlamp3444]

Ooooohhh, I really like your interpretation of PTX's part in the trio of versions!

[@EliaKay1]

I find this to be very emotional and I’m still getting chills from it. I feel like this version has much more urgency to it and it’s more of a call to action then the other versions. They tend to just end and make you feel sad.

[@sarahholland1375]

The other version? . Disturbed is an angry anthemic call to arms. Simon & Garfunkels is a sad commentary. Wouldn't say this is either. Pretty tho.

[@sin4406]

The original is MEANT to be sad, obviously, that's the appeal, but taste definitely comes into taste, so I can't really knock you for adhering to your own taste.

[@rmac1042]

The minor 9th chord in the transition between Matt and Kirstie! Sooo beautiful!

[@BethRoars]

💛

[@Texastigerdigsdetects]

I don't get emotional threads from songs unless I can specifically trace them to a personal life event (maybe that's strange).. But I have a friend who cried at the PTX rendition. I like the technical expertise of multiple layers, smooth harmonies and excellence of performance.. That is what I get when I listen to the Pentatonix version of this great song.

[@ExotiicButter]

Yer red hair gives me life! Wish me hair was red lass! ❤

[@octo448]

How strange how different people can be affected by different kinds of music. This actually did make me want to tear up and cry a little, as did the Disturbed version, but the S&G version doesn't do much for me emotionally. (I still think it's great, just doesn't tug on my heartstrings) Thanks for the lovely reaction!

[@Gizmodex1836]

Kylie Perry i agree, PTX and Disturbed pulled more emotion. I think PTX’s emotion is what the song was meant for, it still is a tear jerker and also brings out the message of the song. Which is sadly true for today’s society. S&G Warned us about the future and we are facing what this song speaks of.

[@sandyleewhite]

****IMPRESSIVE DOESN'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO DESCRIBING HOW INCREDBLE THIS A CAPELLA GROUP IS & I CANT EVEN COME CLOSE TO A WORD, GOOD ENOUGH TO EXPRESS, JUST HOW INSANELY TALENTED THEY ARE!!!****

[@jeffk1482]

You're right, at least for me. I didn't get the tears-welling-in-my-eyes feels like with Disturbed. It was, however, ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS and wonderfully intricate - real "ear candy". To me, this is by *far* the most PTX-like thing they've come out with since Matt took over for Avi. I think it's fair to say the mojo is BACK....and I love it!!!!

[@Louisee77]

it's a "meh" cover.

[@sarahholland1375]

Ear candy! I couldn't think how to describe it til I saw that comment. That's it exactly. Pretty but 'meh'.

[@apb7721]

I disqualify the disturbed cover because autotune had to cover the guy’s offtune voice

[@sinamayr1298]

Yeah, me neither. I think the cover of Disturbed is more like dark and sad and the PTX cover is full of hope and light. At least I feel so about it😊

[@jppitch6734]

@@apb7721 Given your distaste of voice editing you should disqualify PTX, as well, because they edit in all of their studio versions which is why (while still enjoyable) their live performances do not have anywhere near the same presence and depth as what we're hearing here.

[@connorvincent9183]

Love this reaction!! There's a lot of musical complexities in this arrangement that most people haven't picked up on, but you have acknowledged them - Thank you!!!! :D

[@mecfstraveler]

I think part of it is the actual video. I listened to the audio first, and only got the feels from Matt's solo. The original and Disturbed are still the ones that tear into my soul and leave me wrecked and hurting. being a Pentaholic it's hard to say they didn't quite capture it, but as beautiful and surprising as their arrangement choices were, I honestly don't feel that anguish the other two I mentioned causes. Matt is MVP for emoting on this one IMHO. Great review! Thank you!

[@luisin085342100]

Watching people react to Pentatonix songs/covers for the first time is my new hobby!!!

[@ryansmith6275]

I love watching peoples reactions when Scott hits those low notes right at the start. Always fun to see the looks of surprise

[@pennywells9824]

I really like Disturbed version. But right now I couldn't tell you what they sound like. Pentatonix just kicked their butts right off the stage.

[@Louisee77]

Yeah, no. This is overproduced generic pop garbage, it's just singing. It doesn't tell a story. It's terrible in every single aspect.

[@hellow4130]

Penny Wells Agreed. I am obsessed with PTX’s version.

[@ronaldmaxey7476]

Beth , you and I are on the same page when it comes to Pentatonix. I didn't get to see them when they came to Oklahoma, USA. Wish I had. I fell in love with their harmomies. Their Christmas songs are awesome. As are all of the songs they sing. They are probably one of my favorites, ( And I have lots of favorites) :-) . Thank you for posting this. Hadn't heard them in awhile.

[@ItsMe-xj5fk]

I think everyone had the same face expression, when Scott startet to sing

[@TangentOmega]

Simon version = melancholy (sad) Disturbed version = angry (mad) PTX version = hopeful (glad)

[@MaggieGueder]

Scott and Kirstin are really my favourite singers. They are so good 😍😍😍😍😍

[@lefterismplanas4977]

I wish I was a grate vocal teacher like you so I could have the chance to experience Pentatonix the same way that you do ♡♡♡

[@LavaKimo]

They gave me goose bumps at the very end, I like this verison in a different way. I love Disturb's version for the power and highlighting the darkness of the social commentary the lyrics convey. The PTX version is a joy to listen to. PTX makes each song their own in a special way.

[@angelitabecerra]

OMG! That embroidery/cross stitch in the background (cannot tell which as it's not the focus of the camera for obvious reasons) of your logo is soooooo cute. (Embroidery/cross stitch geek here. One of my favorite hobbies).

[@seanofl]

If anyone can rock a mullet it is Mitch. I got plenty of chills starting when Matt belted out his part. So listen again!

[@MidoriDad]

Me too. What Matt belts his part, and when Scott comes in on his second high register part

[@xabaraa0913]

Everybody: Wow for Scott's low notes Me: WAIT FOR MATT'S HAHAHAH (BOTH HIGH AND LOW)

[@markhaseley3304]

My dad was a S & G fan when I was a kid... Loved the song when it first came out. Helped to make me a thoughtful young man. Happy to see its revival! Cheers.

[@carpdirector6836]

Lol, I had the same reaction to Scott’s low opening! ❤️

[@fifimorrison1804]

Like I know he sings bass and would swap with Avi for Hallelujah but you didn't hear it as much and I think their voices have gotten lower (apart from Mitch who can actually hit a higher note lol)

[@MrKahlerHahn]

I did not get the feels from the overproduced Disturbed-version, but this... damn... impressive. never heard of Pentatonix before, but they got a new fan now

[@rytterl]

Overproduced? You should watch three live version.

[@MrKahlerHahn]

@@rytterl it still is Disturbed going "yeah we make this small, brilliant song epic as fuck". Sound of silence was just never about bombast and that's why to me the disturbed version might be good on a technical level (we know that dude can sing), but to me it is just the worst

[@Ploon72]

Andre Martänz Yeah, I think you just articulated what I was thinking. I love S&G. Disturbed was too bombastic and purposely looking for a response.

[@feugofox42]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that this seemed based off the Disturbed arrangement

[@musicaddict8742]

Jason Fox it is

[@Rosannasfriend]

I thought it was obvious, no?

[@Texastigerdigsdetects]

She said a portion sounded similar and not that the arrangement was derivative of Disturbed.. Portions of Disturbed sounded like Simon and Garfunkel but that doesn't mean they copied it. That was just the source material. You can only alter a style so much and qualities are going to be similar between arrangements

[@Gizmodex1836]

They did alter it. But disturbed followed a lot of the original. And so did they. Pentatonix did put their own spin on it as well, just like disturbed. All three arrangements are gorgeous however.

[@InstrucTube]

If you like Scott in his lower register, you should look at him doing "I Should Tell Your Momma On Ya". It's excellent. Also another really great cover of this is Peter Hollens and Tim Foust.

[@chuckfoster3811]

I do not get tired of hearing this song from them. I especially like Kirsty's part. The way she just throws her shoulders back and lets it rip is so triumphant I can't help but love it.

[@carrieb1781]

It's funny people's different reactions to songs. The PTX version was the first one I heard and it blew me away! Tears all over the place. I hadn't heard Disturbed's version, and people spoke so highly of it, I thought - I need to listen to it with an open mind to be fair. It was beautifully done, however, I didn't get the feels at all like I did with PTX. Depends on personal taste.

[@MsCubbies23]

I completely agree! I heard this one (and truly loved it) but saw people referencing the Disturbed version in the comments, so I checked it out. It was done well, but I felt this was so much better.

[@MidoriDad]

Exactly

[@dobie3004]

I agree...I got goose-bumps several times during the Pentatonix version. Though Disturbed's version was good, the goose-bump moments were missing.

[@enoquinessien3467]

I completely agree

[@hellow4130]

Same. I listened to the other versions and did not get the same feel as with PTX’s version.

[@bunnlose]

7:17 hmmm. i see what you mean. for me learning about this song from Disturbed, nothing can really beat that feel. But PTX is extreamly good at what they do! My god ive never heard Scott go that low or atleast monitizing on it, blew me away!

[@manuelpatla9189]

I love this the most followed by Simon and Garfunkel's version.

[@teakovac3150]

I loved the reaction, but I'm a bit sad that Matt and Kevin got no attention. This is what mainly happens as Scott, Kirstin and Mitch all have amazing and attention catching voices but for me, Matt's solo is the most emotional of them all and his voice with Kirstin harmonizing always gives me goosebumps. And Kevin is what makes PTX truly unique and his talent is incredible. So, I hope when you do a reaction to them next, that you will pay attention to all the members :)

[@michaelhogan9053]

Too much quality!!! Such amazing talent. This would be Awesome if we didn't have the other versions. Agree

[@krismcdaniel2858]

For me, Distrub'ds version was heavy handed in places. This one's build up was well done and gave me goose bumps.

[@chrisb8075]

Nothing even comes close to the simple purity of S&G. Arts voice is unparalleled and Paul's supporting vocal is set perfectly in the mix.

[@spiderfingers86]

I'm an avid listener of Pentatonix. They are multiple Grammy award winners

[@MrRabiddogg]

It'd be interesting to hear Pentatonix collaborate with the Harp Twins on a cover. Both bring unique takes on popular songs. I bet it would be amazing.

[@jojojo090397]

I think this Video perfectly summs up why the sound of silence is such an amazing song. You mentioned 3 Versions of this song the Original, which works with two guys and acustic guitar, the disturbed Version, which ist sung by a metal vocalist and backed up by the better part of an orchestra and lastly the PTX Version, which seems to be an a-capella arrangement of the disturbed cover. All of these Versions are so vastly different on paper but still managed to give me goosebumps all the same. Maybe they do it for different reasons, Simon and Garfunkel through their emotional redition, Disturbed through the lead Singer's vocal prowess, Pentatonix through an arrengement, that almost makes you forget that they don't use any instruments. I personally couldn't make out a favourite. All of the have their own charme and validity.

[@kinghyperion5152]

When I saw the PTX cover of The Sounds of Silence, I was hoping you'ld react to it, and I'm so happy to see you did!😊 I agree that the feels of the song was different, PTX's version was more on the epic groovy and uplifting feels, Disturbed was more on the dark, deep, and serious feels.. but both was awesome

[@r0kus]

My way of thinking about Pentatonix' cover of _Sound of Silence_ is this. They retain some of the intensity of Disturbed, while adding back in harmonies from the Simon and Garfunkel original. Mitch's voice here reminds me a lot of Garfunkel, mainly in the "sweet" tone.

[@Rosannasfriend]

Somehow, I thought you had already reacted to this! I love this,and I did get some chills from it. JUst not as much as from the Disturbed's version.

[@relens2]

You had me at . Thanks for your insights and appreciation of great music.

[@jessewilliams4152]

The emotional hit i get is this. From simon and disturbed i get more of hopelessness and despair. From Pentatonix, i get more of a hopeful feel.

[@andreacollins3204]

Most music literally has a memory for me. I can hear a song and smell the aroma of where I was etc at that time.

[@Louisee77]

lol what

[@kuyakoy7091]

Your vocal coach reacts series is so original

[@ericgaudet4497]

Pentatonix did a great job with The Sound Of Silences . Great reaction to the video Beth .First 👍From me .

[@kamikake9834]

Perfect description! It was not an emotional arrangement for me, but I was pleasantly surprised at how incredible they did do it. They made it uniquely PTX and I absolutely enjoyed it for what it was! Scott was STUNNING in his lower register and while they just haven't been the same for me without Avi, I enjoyed Matt's solo immensely!

[@fredrikekholm3718]

As several others have pointed out, it's sooo interesting how we all react differently to the different versions of this song. While this version is masterfully arranged and performed, it just doesn't grab me emotionally like the original, or like Disturbed's version (which is the one that almost makes me cry every time I hear it). GREAT performance and arrangement either way.

[@angryscotsmaaan]

Really love your explanations of certain vocal elements, helping me not totally suck when I try to sing 😅 I would love to hear your reaction to probably my favourite male singer of all time Roy Khan especially the song by his old band Kamelot - Abandoned Live. He honestly just has the most beautiful tone to his voice and has an amazing range, the low notes he hits in Abandoned are something else. Loving your content so far!

[@ralphcroker4889]

Beth Roars. Beth Rocks!

[@spiderfingers86]

I love the jacket that Scott is wearing

[@dwfarr]

Miss your Pentatonix reactions.

[@Vaidanis.]

Liked the video, loved her accent Subscribed

[@rosannecloutier228]

That is epic n love kevins beat box awesome

[@markoconnor995]

The writing of Paul Simon, pop masterpieces.

[@powbobs]

This one makes me cry. And I’m a 6’3” 230 lb bouncer. Granted, I also play the cello, but still.

[@alynkuster5138]

You can often hear Scott take over bass when the bass is singing. He does here when Matt solos. You can hear him if you listen for him.

[@wh15p]

Definitely worth reacting to the Peter Hollens and Tim Foust version of his. Powerful stuff!

[@marleymarsss]

Yeah it's all about musical taste when it comes to covers, I liked it, nothing beats the original for me though.

[@samprasfoon06]

Been thinking about your comment to which I agree about the feels of this version compare to the original or Disturbed cover. So I try something out on GarageBand. I slow down the tempo of this song from the standard 120 BPM in GarageBand down to 114 BPM. It sounds so much more epic to my ears. You're all welcome to try.

[@ambeauty2001]

Please react to Peter Hollins ft Tim Faust- Sounds of Silence. Peter does a Cappella and all the part BY HIMSELF! But when he adds Tim (or Avi) it goes to a whole other level. I think you will get chills from this cover.

[@fantasybooks]

Hi Beth! I really like your reactions and analysis. If you're interested in any folk singer styles I would recommend The Mountain as sung by Benjamin Tod. Have a great day!

[@gregsteele806]

They really had to take it in a different direction to avoid the "Oh, you just did the Disturbed version" conundrum. I am a huge fan of the Disturbed version, and I still like it more than this one, but I appreciate that Pentatonix did their own thing with the arrangement.

[@jerrie2u]

At the end of the day these people are vocal savages! 💖

[@shannahnesler3600]

Pentatonix Hallelujah was what I used to sing my nephew to sleep to. They are good. Watched them perform against Home Free on the sing off.

[@carrieb1781]

No, they didn't compete together, PTX were season 3 winners in 2011. You probably saw them when they came back to perform the year Home Free was competing. Home Free was the season 4 winners.

[@michaelharrison6976]

run of the mill of the rocka rolla judas priest... it saves me every time i listen.. an its often... stay honest, stay beautiful

[@tonykeen920]

Love your honestly.

[@mattk429]

A lot of people make the comment that the original by Simon and Garfunkel was a warning. While Disturbed's version was a dark angry outcry that the warning was not heeded, The Pentatonix version seems like it is the polar opposite of Disturbed's. Like it was meant to be the light to Disturbed's dark, the yin to their yang, the good the their evil, the alternate reality where the warning was heeded and it prevented some catastrophic disaster. While Disturbed's version invokes emotions of sadness, anger and dismay, Pentatonix is almost like a church hymn, uplifting and celebratory, happiness and joy. The covers are like two sides of the same coin. Both versions are absolutely brilliant if you think about them like that.

[@musicaddict8742]

I realized there is a vocal overlap if u listen closely during matts part and when Kristen sang “fell” towards the end of her part. It’s either kirsten or another person not even in the group cuz that tone is not like any groups and it’s not in mitches range I don’t think and u can hear all the different voices separate from them

[@singlegrainofsand]

Excellent breakdowns ! Could you possibly critique Avi Kaplan "Other side" and Pentatonix "Marry did you know"

[@magaisacult2023]

So happy they found fame, they are a gift.

[@jchocowNZ]

Such a awesome song, enjoying your reactions, try alien weaponry, Kia tangata, a New Zealand band with a 16 year old singer who sounds 20 years older, please react as everyone seems to forget about New Zealand bands! We’re not even on most world maps lol

[@firewalldragon9774]

Did you notice the smart arranging when Mat took over the lead vocals? There was no possible way Mat was going to hit that high A in the climax of that verse, so they had Mitch take over the lead vocals in that one line. Very smart arrangement.

[@andyamend1350]

You commented that you haven't heard Scott sing that low .. think back to "Hallelujah" when Avi is singing the lead in the beginning of the video .. Scott is covering the bass ... 😉

[@spiderfingers86]

The Sound of Silence was a song initially sang by Simon and Garfunkel

[@spamrelaax9507]

You should like the Peter Hollen's version if you like the song

[@camille353]

Hahaha Iove you're reactions! For me the disturbed version did nothing to me, I didnt get the hype but the S&G one it felt like so melancholy which is why it works and this PTX version gives me chills because of the emotions in their voices. ✌❤

[@MidoriDad]

Right

[@JustMe-zk2wh]

I agree with you - on a talent scale their version is really good. However, Disturbed invoked emotions that came from deep down and that is why their version leaves me speechless. Both groups did a wonderful job, and each good in its own perspective.

[@xDan_]

I was waiting for this reaction so much ¡¡¡¡

[@amyarias9911]

I think that all of the versions of this song have there own strengths. The Disturbed version really shows off the darker side of this song. The Pentatonix version is more Power if that makes sense. The Disturbed version made me feel as though we were going through a tough time but we were going to get through it. The Pentatonix version made me feel as though we had already accomplished our problems and we’re proud of what we have done. They are both amazing. I can’t speak for the original one because I have not heard that one yet. Anyways, this is just my opinion.

[@yetti399]

Just subscribed I hope you do more metal singers everyone knows the Christina's Demi's and lady gaga's of the world can sing but not many know how well the Maynard's, Dickinson's and Halford's can sing and even the ones like the Lemme's Mustangs and Johnson's that dont have great voices like most of us lol yet manipulate their voice to make it work . If you look at your maiden reaction it has the 2nd most views only surpassed by a review of a massively viral video metal is a big genre thats untapped amongst the vocal coachs on youtube and i think that could be the difference from being just another vocal coach channel and one that is completely unique of course you still have to do the Christina's of the world too because if not that would just be a disservice to the singing community love the content so far

[@BethRoars]

📖 Get your signed copy of my album Fable here: www.bethroars.com/shop ☀ Pre-save my first single "Power Of The Wolf" on Spotify (it really helps me out!): distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bethroars/power-of-the-wolf 🥁 Become a Patreon Supporter: www.patreon.com/bethroars

[@gordon020958]

Compared to Disturbed they suck and should ONLY do barbershop quartet songs.

[@lucrosen]

Great reaction Beth! It’s a beautiful arrangement, but I agree it doesn’t hit me in the feels like Disturb’s cover does

[@aaronoconnor9780]

Peter Hollens and Tim Foust did a cover of The Sound of Silence, you should check it out

[@danielbenincasa770]

Its Simon & Garfunkle are the original singer & song writers of the song. Silence has been covered over 600 time. Listen to PTX other songs. Oh and they won 3 Grammy's in the short 10 years they have been around......

[@rlhcat7662]

I am so glad to see your honest reaction! I, too, did not get the forceful impact that I got when I heard the S&G or Disturbed renditions of this musical poem. PTX sounds great, especially Matt with his beautiful solo, but it feels like the point of the message got lost in the production. This is a song about how people's words have lost their meaning, and maybe that happened a bit here.

[@veredwg]

1:13-1:21 my reaction too... not sure for the whole song those. Mix feeling.. have to listen few more time.

[@reprosser]

Great review. PTX comes thru again with fantastic arrangement and performance. I agree it is different than S&G and Disturbed (they seemed to be covering the Disturbed version - but less dark...and those harmonys - wow).

[@Lookinforrealmusic]

Please react to Avi Kaplans new video, Change on the Rise. Its Amazing!!!!

[@rogerlacaille3148]

Have to agree with you on the emotion factor...grew up with Simon and Garfunkel, used to sing it myself as a buskers,was totally blown away with the version by Disturbed,both those versions yes give me the chills,or feels as you say,tears to the eyes..but not Pentatonix...don't get me wrong,I thought it beautifully done..just too Poppy....They gave me more chills with Halelulia

[@charon2302]

Have you heard the sound of silence by Henk Poort??

[@wdm4995]

They actually didn't change keys just prior to Kerstie's part. They stayed in the same key.

[@ShadowSoul92]

Mitch naturally has a high voice, in this song however, it seemed to me to have a calmer, lower tone than other performances ... which is why I love this performance. Mitch has an absolutely bestial vocal range, like the rest of the group. Scott can reach high notes, for example in Defying Gravity, at one point you hear Scott touch a rather high note, for his usual range in which he sings ... This song I think it is natural to have a lower key than other songs that they did.

[@futurewavecs]

Good. I think the Disturbed one was more emotionally impacting, but this one was still really good.

[@lynn2574]

This is one of my Pentatonix favorites (only beat by Silent Night). But I cringed that you didn’t have both headphones one when Matt made that incredible slide.

[@alankadair]

I come here to neither agree nor disagree with your reaction. But a little history. The Disturbed version is actually quite close to the original version, that the radio stations around the world would not play. It actually caused Simon and Garfunkle to break up for a short period. However, a radio DJ out of St. Louis Missouri, changed the original recording up a little and the birth of a hugly hit song was born. The Disturbed version is completely about despair. Where the hit song, and the one here by Pentatonix starts out with despair, and slowly moved on to a symbol of hope.

[@EularOmega2113]

Peter Hollens version Featuring Tim Foust is also a REALLY REALLY good one too

[@gollumandeowyn]

I'd love to see you look at Chris Cornell's cover of "River of Deceit" that he did with the Seattle Symphony.